Armed UGV for Direct Fire Support and Armed Reconnaissance
Europe’s newest RCWS developer and Estonia’s leading military robotics practitioner are showing the Milrem Robotics THeMIS UGV at DSEI in London this week, featuring a Hornet RCWS.
Developed for the wheeled armoured vehicles of France’s SCORPION programme, the HORNET RCWS nevertheless offers unique features for UGV operations. “The HORNET includes a specific cleaning system for the optronics, as well as the option to flip down the sensors to protect it from dirt and damage – crucial aspects for an unmanned vehicle operated from a distance. It’s also equipped with a protected ammunition feed,” explained Jean Boy, Managing Director of Hornet, adding that it was developed with the French Army’s high standards for firing accuracy in mind.
THeMIS combat UGVs provide direct fire support for manoeuvre forces, acting as a force multiplier
increasing stand-off distance, force protection and situational awareness. They are equipped with intelligent functions, such as waypoint navigation, follow-me as well as obstacle detection and avoidance. The intelligent functions are restricted to mobility – the weapon system has a human in-the-loop control.
“Combat robotics is the future of warfare that will significantly increase the capabilities and survivability of units […] THeMIS is the preferred UGV for weapon systems integrations. With the future-oriented Hornet that has several innovative features, we have created an unmanned system that allows combat units to encounter today’s challenges on the battlefield more effectively,” explained Jüri Pajuste, Director of Defence Research and Development at Milrem Robotics.
Officially launched at IDEX 2021 in Abu Dhabi, offers high-end remotely-operated weapons systems with the most advanced technologies and capabilities, which can be adapted to fit very specific tactical needs, including UGVs. The current offering includes the HORNET, the flagship product of the new range, and the HORNET LITE, a lighter version with the same optronic systems.
